What (added) measures did SOMI medical take during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize the viral contamination risk? Did this include additional air filter or similar purification systems?
Wolfsdorf: COVID-19 affects us all and companies in the healthcare and medical sector are no exception. As companies, our top priority is to protect our employees. It would also have fatal consequences if the virus were to contaminate the implants and instruments of our clients. We take multiple countermeasures to reduce the risk of infections by maintaining a higher standard for hygiene, by providing personal protective equipment, and by conducting daily COVID-19 tests. We also use resources such as air cleaners in many rooms. They release negative ions into the air and activate oxygen to kill viruses, bacteria and germs and remove particles from the air. SOMI medical GmbH visitors are also required to present a current, negative test result or have the option of taking an onsite COVID-19 rapid antigen test. All employees are required to comply with the applicable COVID-19 regulations in self-governance, which also pertains to their personal lives.
What are the latest trends in medical device packaging especially as it affects hygiene and sterilization?
Wolfsdorf: One of the biggest risks to health and recovery hospitals face today result from antibiotic resistant germs. At the same time, surgical instruments are becoming increasingly sophisticated and more complex in application to facilitate better and gentler treatment methods for patients. In most cases, these instruments cannot be reprocessed for reuse. Reprocessing – referring to the cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing of instruments – is an expensive endeavor, prompting many users to use single-use, disposable products instead. Facilities usually keep applicable inventory on hand. As a service, we warehouse sterile instruments and implants with a shelf life of up to ten years. In doing so, we help increase the profitability and success of manufacturers and medical equipment suppliers. Thanks to our state-of-the-art sterile warehouse at our Pforzheim location and our affiliated logistics, we can offer our customers the best delivery service in the world.